Interspecific tree named ‘Sunset Plapple’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree having a vigorous, upright growth habit.   2. Tree being a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit.   3. Fruit having firm, white flesh with very good flavor and eating quality.   4. Fruit with an attractive mottled red skin color.   5. Fruit with good storage and shipping quality.

Botanical designation: Interspecific Prunus species.

Variety denomination: ‘Sunset Plapple’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It wasagainst this background of our activities that the present variety ofinterspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of interspecific trees, which are known tous, and mentioned herein, ‘Black Kat’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No.13,134), ‘Flavor Grenade’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,097) andthe proprietary non-patented interspecific seedling selections ‘20M57’,‘54ZD402’, ‘67Z130’, ‘20Z98’, and ‘45GK282’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree was developed by usin our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from a firstgeneration cross between our proprietary non-patented interspecificseedlings with the field identification numbers ‘20M57’ and ‘54ZD402’.The seed parent ‘20M57’ is a first generation cross from our proprietarynon-patented interspecific seedling selections ‘67Z130’ and ‘20Z98’. Thepollen parent ‘54ZD402’ originated as a first generation cross between‘Flavor Grenade’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,097) and ourproprietary non-patented interspecific seedling selection ‘45GK282’. Alarge number of these first generation seedlings were planted andmaintained on their own root system and under close and carefulobservation we recognized the desirable fruit and tree characteristicsof the present variety and selected it in 2008 for additional asexualpropagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2008 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety ofinterspecific tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock(non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard locatednear Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to theoriginal tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit areestablished and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, whichconsists of crosses between Prunus salicina and Prunus armeniaca hasvigorous, upright growth and is a regular and productive bearer ofmedium to large size fruit with a mottled red skin color. The fruit isfurther characterized by its firm, white flesh and very good flavor andeating quality. In comparison to its proprietary non-patented seedparent (20M57) the fruit of the new variety has white flesh compared toyellow and is approximately 12 days earlier in maturity. In comparisonto its proprietary non-patented pollen parent (54ZD402) the fruit of thenew variety has white flesh compared to yellow and is approximately 25days earlier in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘BlackKat’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,134) the fruit of the newvariety has mottled red skin compared to blackish-blue skin and isapproximately 1 week later in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its sutureplane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place.The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked(shipping ripe) from a 9 year old tree and the colors are as nearly trueas is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofinterspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based onobservations of 9 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., withcolor in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width            for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with different            cultural practices.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first            growing season. Varies with cultural practices, soil type,            fertility and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Upright growth, usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit            necessary for desired market size fruit. Number of fruit set            varies with climatic conditions during blooming period.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 7 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self-sterile, pollinator required.        -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to            increase air movement and sunlight to enhance fruit color            and health of fruit spurs.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately. 650 hours at or below            45° F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average circumference 58.4 cm at 25.4 cm above            ground on a 9 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age of            tree.        -   Color.—7.5YR 2/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 19.1 cm at 1.2 meters            above ground. Crotch angle approximately 35°, increases with            heavy crop load.        -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth            medium rough, roughness increases with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 28 in 25.8 square cm area. Average            length 6.3 mm. Average width 2.5 mm. Color varies from 7.5YR            4/6 to 5YR 5/12.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 2.5GY 5/8. Mature            growth varies from 7.5YR 5/4 to 7.5YR 3/4, varies with age            of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 90.9 mm. Average width 39.5 mm.        -   Form.—Oblanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Serrate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface            relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 19.3 mm. Average width 1.3 mm.            Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color 5GY 7/4.        -   Glands.—Type — globose. Size — small. Average length 1.0 mm.            Average diameter 0.5 mm. Average number 2, varies from 1            to 3. Located primarily on the base of the leaf blade and            upper portion of petiole. Color varies from 5GY 6/6 to 7.5GY            6/6.        -   Stipules.—None present at time of measurement.        -   Color.—Upper surface 5GY 3/4. Lower surface 5GY 4/4. Midvein            color 2.5GY 7/4.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 7.0 mm. Average diameter 4.3 mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.        -   Density.—Medium.        -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 7.3 mm. Average width 0.8 mm.            Surface — glabrous. Color varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 7/8.        -   Color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Number of buds per spur.—Average number 10, varies from 6 to            14.-   Flowers:    -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Mar. 1, 2017. Date of            Petal Fall Mar. 11, 2017, varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Size.—Small to medium. Average height 7.5 mm. Average            diameter 15.9 mm.        -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —            small to medium. Average length 8.0 mm. Average width            6.4 mm. Petal apex — rounded. Petal base — truncate. Form —            globose to elliptical. Margin — sinuate. Arrangement — free            to very slightly overlapping. Both upper and lower surfaces            glabrous. Color N 9.5/(white).        -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —            small. Average length 2.7 mm. Average width 2.5 mm. Sepal            apex — triangular to slightly rounded. Shape — triangular.            Margin — entire. Both upper and lower surfaces glabrous.            Color — upper surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/8. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 7.5GY 7/6.        -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 29. Average filament            length 5.6 mm. On average, the stamens are above the height            of the petals. Filament color N 9.5/(white). Anther color            varies from 7.5GY 8/8 to 10Y 8.5/8.        -   Pollen.—Self sterile, pollinator required. Color varies from            5Y 7/10 to 5Y 7/8.        -   Pistil.—Number — normally 1. Average length 6.2 mm. Position            of stigma an average of 1.0 mm below anthers. Surface —            glabrous. Color varies from 10Y 8/6 to 2.5GY 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Heavy aroma.        -   Flower color.—N 9.5/(white).        -   Pedicel.—Average length 7.6 mm. Average width 0.9 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/6.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average 3, varies from 1 to            3.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for            consumption.        -   Date of first picking.—Sep. 11, 2017.        -   Date of last picking.—Sep. 21, 2017, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average diameter axially 64.4 mm.            Average transversely in suture plane 63.4 mm. Average weight            168.0 grams, varies slightly with fertility of the soil,            amount of thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Lipped.        -   Ventral surface.—Lipped.        -   Apex.—Rounded.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Stem cavity.—Rounded. Average depth 5.3 mm. Average diameter            5.0 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 13.0 mm. Average diameter 2.3            mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 4/6 to 7.5YR 3/6.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial interspecific            varieties.        -   Aroma.—Moderate.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Very good.        -   Flavor.—Very good, good balance between acid and sugar.        -   Juice.—Heavy amount, enhances flavor.        -   Acidity.—Not available.        -   Brix.—Average Brix 22.0°, varies slightly with amount of            fruit per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 8.5/2 to 5Y 8.5/4.        -   Pit cavity.—Average length 28.4 mm. Average width 18.2 mm.            Average depth 9.7 mm. Color varies from 2.5Y 7/6 to 2.5Y            6/6.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Bloom.—Moderate amount, complete coverage.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 2.5Y 8.5/6 to 2.5Y 8/4.            Overspread with 5R 3/8 to 5R 4/10. Very small, randomly            spaced areas of ground color exposed to give a speckled and            mottled pattern to the red skin.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.        -   Astringency.—Slight to none.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone, medium adherence to the flesh.        -   Size.—Medium to large. Average length 27.4 mm. Average width            17.2 mm. Average thickness 8.7 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Pointed. Average length 1.8 mm.        -   Surface.—Slightly pitted throughout. One shallow groove on            each side of suture extending from base to apex.        -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further from suture            plane.        -   Ridges.—Very narrow, small ridge near groove on each side of            suture, extends from base to apex.        -   Tendency to split.—None.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 5/6 to 7.5YR 6/6, when dry.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—Medium. Average length 17.6 mm. Average width 9.3 mm.            Average depth 4.8 mm.        -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.        -   Skin color.—Varies from 10YR 5/8 to 7.5YR 5/8.-   Use:    -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°    to 42° F. without internal breakdown of flesh or appreciable loss of    eating quality.-   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh    bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during    indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial,    virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our    breeding program. No atypical resistances/susceptibilities have been    noted under normal cultural practices. The present new variety of    interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit herein described    may vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and    cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present    description is that of the variety grown under the ecological    conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecifictree, substantially as illustrated and described.